Exova Anaheim Laboratory Gains Airbus Authorisation for DMA Testing

17 February 2015

Exova has been granted authorisation by aircraft manufacturer Airbus to proceed with its specification AITM 1-0003, which governs Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) testing.

According to Exova, DMA testing is an instrumental technique in which the mechanical deformation of carbon fibre-reinforced composites is analysed, and focuses on measurement of glass transition temperature. The approval comes following a concerted effort by Exova to obtain Airbus approval for this critical test, including recent investments in new DMA equipment.

Exova’s Anaheim, California, US laboratory also worked closely with the other Airbus-approved Exova laboratories in Bridgwater, UK and Toulouse, France to ensure that test methods and procedures were well-aligned. The laboratory previously obtained Airbus’ authorisation for a range of mechanical and analytical tests. Exova says the addition of a local approved laboratory for DMA testing will significantly reduce turnaround times for North American customers.

Rocco Moro, Executive VP for Aerospace in the Americas, said “As composites play an increasingly important role on large commercial aircraft, there is growing demand for specialised testing such as DMA. This new approval makes Exova the first and only third party testing laboratory in North America to receive Airbus approval for DMA testing and reinforces our commitment to provide technically demanding services to the aerospace industry.”

Exova Anaheim’s primary customer for DMA testing is Spirit AeroSystems in Kinston, North Carolina, US which requires testing of its Section 15 (Centre Fuselage) composite components and Main Wing Spars for the Airbus A350XWB commercial airliner. Exova says it is also now in a position to perform DMA testing for other Airbus sub-contractors in North America, which require certification to the Airbus specification.

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